Poker is a card game played around the world. It is usually played with poker chips, although it can also be played in private homes and casinos. The game is characterized by bluffing.

The aim of the game is to have the best hand. A hand is composed of five cards. Each player can discard up to three. The best hand will win the pot.

If two or more people have the same hand, a high card is used to break the tie. In this case, the two hands will split the pot equally. Likewise, when a person has a pair, the other person must have a pair to break a tie.

The game is typically played with a number of players, ranging from six to eight. However, it can be played with as many as 10 people.

In order to play, each player must buy a certain number of poker chips. These chips are usually dark-colored and are worth between two and five whites.

The dealer deals the cards. Depending on the game, the dealer may shuffle or deal the cards face-down. Generally, the first card dealt to a player is the jack.

Once all cards have been dealt, the player to the left of the big blind (who has the right to raise the bet) acts first. He then raises the bet or checks.

When the last player has made the bet, the round of betting ends. During the next interval, players have the option to either call or fold.